The world's fastest train has been unveiled in Japan, ahead of its 2030 launch.

Dubbed the Alfa-X, it is capable of reaching speeds of up to 224mph and consists of ten carriages.

Its sleek silver design is matched by its long and pointed nose which stretches out 72 feet in front of it.

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Dubbed the Alfa-X, it is capable of reaching speeds of up to 224 mph and consists of ten carriages. Its sleek silver design is matched by its incredible long and pointed nose which stretches for 72 feet n front of it (pictured)

The locomotive begins thee years of testing today as the county prepares to expand its bullet train network.

Sapporo, the main city in Japan's northern Hokkaido region, will be connected to the rest of the ultra-fast network and, if the train achieves its touted speed, a trip between Tokyo and Sapporo would be nearly halved to four and a half hours.

It comes equipped with a host of other technology as well as its exceptional speed.

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it is also fited with an air brake as well as a conventional brake on the roof controlled by magnetic plated near the tracks.

Dampeners and air suspension will also be used to keep it stable and conformable.

'The development of the next-generation shinkansen is based on the key concepts of superior performance, a high level of comfort, a superior operating environment and innovative maintenance,' says the East Japan Railway, better known as JR East.

The Alfa-X comes with other features deigned to make it less susceptible to earthquakes. Alfa-X's nose is designed to reduce noise and pressure at the extreme speeds and make it safer heading into tunnels

Currently, the fastest trains in the world top out at 200mph - also in Japan, as well as France. The Eurostar, which connects France and England by rail, has a top speed of just 185mph and other services can go no quicker than 65mph

WHAT ARE THE WORLD'S FASTEST TRAINS?

1. Shanghai Maglev: 267 mph

The Maglev train spans nearly 19 miles from Shanghai's Pudong International Airport to the Longyang metro station on the outskirts of Shanghai.

2. Alfa-X: 224mph

The Japanese train will be rolled-out in 230 and will have an operational top speed of 224 mph.

3. Fuxing Hao CR400AF/BF: 249 mph

The name 'Fuxing Hao' translates to mean 'rejuvenation'. it is currently in operation in China and has a design top speed of 249mph but an operational top speed of 217mph.

The Alfa-X comes with other features deigned to make it less susceptible to earthquakes.

Alfa-X's nose is designed to reduce noise and pressure at the extreme speeds and make it safer heading into tunnels.

Currently, the fastest trains in the world top out at 200mph - also in Japan, as well as France.

The Eurostar, which connects France and England by rail, has a top speed of just 185mph and other services can go no quicker than 65mph.

This continues Japan's push into bullet train technology, but magnetic rivals are in operation which surpass it in terms of raw speed.

These Maglev trains, which work by levitating via magnetism above the rails, can reach 268mph, enabling it to cover a 19-mile distance in just seven minutes and 20 seconds.

Shanghai currently uses these trains, the fastest in commercial operation in the world.